Wave 94

In 1966, Time magazine famously asked on its cover, "Is God Dead?" Today, media critics ask a similar question: Is Christian radio dead? In this engaging episode, host Doug Apple sits down with John Fuller, the long-time co-host of Focus on the Family, to discuss the past, present, and vibrant future of Christian audio media. Fuller shares his journey from playing with a Panasonic cassette recorder as a child to broadcasting to millions alongside Dr. James Dobson and Jim Daly. Together, Doug and John look at data showing that Christian media still reaches the vast majority of Americans, offering a critical supplement to the local church. They challenge listeners to reject the digital trivia distracting them from their faith and to intentionally saturate their minds with eternal truth.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

-- Why absolute truth still matters in a culture that treats reality as entirely subjective.

-- Surprising statistics from the National Religious Broadcasters and Pew Research about the massive weekly reach of Christian media.

-- How passive, daily listening to biblically centered programming can radically transform your marriage, parenting, and legacy across generations.

-- The strategic battle against distraction and why we must choose "truth before trivia" in our daily routines.

-- The future of ministry in an AI-driven world, emphasizing why authentic, human community can never be replaced by a chatbot.

-- A special tribute to the enduring legacy, humility, and cultural impact of the late Dr. James Dobson as Focus on the Family approaches its 50th anniversary.

Scriptures for Further Study

-- Romans 12:2

-- Hebrews 12:1

-- 2 Timothy 4:7

Be a Bridge Builder.

In Acts 17, we see Paul the apostle stepping into Athens, a city known for its philosophers, poets, and debates. Everywhere he looked were idols, statues, and altars, including one dedicated to an unknown god (Acts 17:23). The city was alive with ideas, but Paul's heart was heavy. They were searching, yet they did not know the god who can save. As 2 Timothy 3:7 reminds us, people can be ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Paul did not begin with condemnation. He observed and engaged, saying, "I see that you are very religious" (Acts 17:22). He built a bridge by connecting with their culture, quoting their poets, and speaking their language. Paul demonstrates a key principle: before leading someone to Jesus, we must meet them where they are. As he later writes, "I have become all things to all people that by all means I might save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22).

Once he connected, Paul delivered the gospel boldly. He proclaimed God as their creator, near to all of us. "In Him we live and move and have our being," he says in Acts 17:28. Then he confronted them with the truth of repentance and the resurrection. God has appointed a day to judge the world through Jesus, whom he raised from the dead (Acts 17:30–31). The conversation moved from intellectual curiosity to personal urgency.

The responses varied. Some mocked, some delayed, and some believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 1:18, "the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God." Faithfulness to God's message does not guarantee universal acceptance, but obedience remains our responsibility.

After Athens, Paul went to Corinth where he later emphasized that he preached nothing but Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). He knew that salvation depends not on eloquence, but on the power of the cross. Romans 1:16 confirms, "for I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes."

From Paul's example, we learn a crucial balance. Like Athens, we must understand the world, build bridges, and meet people where they are. Like Corinth, we must boldly proclaim Jesus Christ and the message of the cross. Ephesians 6:19–20 reminds us to speak the mystery of the gospel with courage. A bridge without Jesus leads nowhere, and the cross without connection may never be heard.

People today are often a mix of:

Philosophical, like the Athenians: what's the truth?

Broken, like the Corinthians: needing transformation.

Religious, like synagogue audiences: familiar but not converted.

So, our challenge is this: not just what to say, but where to begin. People today are still searching, just like the Athenians. They seek hope, identity, and meaning, often in all the wrong places. God places us in their lives to build bridges and guide them to salvation. Let us faithfully proclaim the cross, trusting God with the results, remembering that the power to save is not in our words, but in Jesus Christ alone (1 Corinthians 2:4–5, Acts 1:8). Our mission is not to control the response, but to be faithful to the message.

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Hear more messages and find out more about Oyster Bay Church of Christ in Crawfordville, FL on our website: https://www.obcoc.org/

And here: https://pearlsofwisdomonline.org/

Beliefs have consequences.

Beliefs shape the way people think, act, and make decisions. What a person believes about truth, morality, and God influences the direction of their life.

The Bible teaches that beliefs are not neutral. They carry real consequences. When people believe and follow the truth of God's Word, it leads to life and wisdom. However, when people accept false beliefs or reject God's truth, it can lead to harmful outcomes.

One important biblical principle is that beliefs guide actions. What people believe in their hearts often determines how they live. In Proverbs 4:23, the Bible says, "...keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." The heart in this context refers to a person's inner thoughts, values, and beliefs. If someone believes what is good and true, their actions are more likely to reflect those beliefs. On the other hand, if someone accepts false ideas, those beliefs can lead them down the wrong path.

The Bible also teaches that believing truth brings freedom. Jesus explained this clearly in John 8:31–32 when he said, "...if you continue in my word, then you are my disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." According to this teaching, believing and following God's truth leads to spiritual freedom. Truth helps people understand God's will and avoid deception. However, rejecting truth can lead to confusion and spiritual bondage.

Another example of the consequences of belief can be seen in the importance of faith in God. Hebrews 11:6 says, "...but without faith it is impossible to please him, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." This verse shows that belief in God is essential for a relationship with Him. Faith leads people to seek God, trust Him, and live according to His guidance. Without that belief, people will surely be held accountable on Judgment Day.

The Bible also warns that false beliefs can lead to destruction. Proverbs 14:12 states, "...there is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." This verse reminds us that something may appear correct or reasonable but still be wrong. If people base their lives on ideas that only seem right rather than on God's truth, they may live this present life more comfortably, but in the end, they will experience negative consequences.

Additionally, beliefs affect a person's eternal future. In Mark 16:16, Jesus said, "...he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned." This passage emphasizes that belief in the message of the gospel has eternal significance. The decision to believe or reject the truth of Christ ultimately determines a person's spiritual destiny.

In conclusion, the Bible teaches that beliefs have powerful consequences. They influence a person's actions, shape their relationship with God, and affect their eternal future. Believing and following God's truth leads to wisdom, freedom, and life, while accepting false beliefs can lead to harmful results. Because of this, Scripture encourages people to seek the truth through God's Word and build their beliefs on a foundation that will guide them to their home in heaven.

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Hear more messages and find out more about Oyster Bay Church of Christ in Crawfordville, FL on our website: https://www.obcoc.org/

And here: https://pearlsofwisdomonline.org/

How did the early Christians understand baptism?

Baptism held a central and indispensable role in the faith and life of the early Christian church. Rooted in the command of Christ and practiced consistently by the apostles, baptism was understood as the decisive moment of entry into the Christian life. It was closely associated with repentance, forgiveness of sins, new birth, union with Christ, and incorporation into the church.

The foundation for the early Christian understanding of baptism begins with Jesus' own words. In the Great Commission, He commanded His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). In Mark 16:16, He declared, "Whoever believes and is baptized shall be saved." Baptism was therefore not optional but part of the expected response to the gospel.

The book of Acts consistently links baptism with conversion. At Pentecost, Peter proclaimed, "Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). New believers were baptized immediately upon professing faith (Acts 8:36–38, Acts 16:30–33, and Acts 22:16). Baptism was not treated as something someone would do after they were saved, but as a fundamental act of turning to Christ.

The Apostle Paul gives theological depth to this practice. In Romans 6:3–4, he teaches that those baptized into Christ are baptized into His death and raised to walk in newness of life. Similarly, Colossians 2:12 describes believers as buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through faith. Baptism was understood as participation in Christ's saving work, union with His death and resurrection. Paul also connects baptism with incorporation into the church: "for in one Spirit we all were baptized into one body" (1 Corinthians 12:13).

Early Christians also associated baptism with new birth and spiritual cleansing. Jesus' words in John 3:5 were widely interpreted as referring to baptism. Jesus said, "Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." Paul speaks of salvation as occurring through the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). Likewise, Peter writes, "Baptism now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience" (1 Peter 3:21). These passages shaped the early church's conviction that baptism was not merely symbolic, but spiritually significant.

Writings from the late 1st and 2nd centuries confirm this understanding. The Didache provides instructions for performing baptism in the Trinitarian name, assuming its necessity for Christian initiation. Justin Martyr (A.D. 150) describes baptism as the moment of regeneration. Irenaeus (A.D. 180) refers to it as the washing of regeneration. And Tertullian (A.D. 200) speaks of sins being washed away in baptism. Across different regions of the Christian world, this understanding remained consistent.

In summary, the early Christians viewed baptism as commanded by Christ, connected to salvation and forgiveness, the moment of new birth, and the means of entering the church. Far from being a mere outward sign, baptism was understood as the God-ordained act through which believers entered the saving realities of Christ's death and resurrection.

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Hear more messages and find out more about Oyster Bay Church of Christ in Crawfordville, FL on our website: https://www.obcoc.org/

And here: https://pearlsofwisdomonline.org/

The Three R's of a Healthy Ministry

In this timely and candid message, Pastor Joseph Davis breaks down the critical necessity of cultivating a church environment built on honor, transparency, and balance. Drawing from the final chapter of Romans, where the Apostle Paul explicitly calls out and appreciates everyday coworkers by name, Pastor Joseph highlights how healthy ministries must move beyond only celebrating the senior leadership. True biblical culture demands regular recognition of the volunteers and workforce who keep the ministry running.

Pastor Joseph also tackles the practical side of serving, reminding believers that true kingdom work should never dismantle their marriages or families. Ministry should flow from a place of health, personal accountability, and emotional maturity. By understanding the progression from a solid reputation to proper recognition, believers can stop seeking human accolades and position themselves to receive God's ultimate eternal reward.

-- The Necessity of a Culture of Honor: Ministry cannot thrive solely on singing and praying. A healthy church atmosphere requires active, consistent recognition of the people doing the work, moving beyond simple formal award ceremonies.

-- The Danger of Leadership-Only Celebration: Churches can easily run off track or even shipwreck when they exclusively celebrate the pastor while ignoring the hard work and sacrifices of the congregation.

-- Family and Rest First: True Christian service does not require the dissolution of marriages or missing your children's milestones. Taking vacations and resting actually equips believers to serve the house of God with greater joy and efficiency.

-- The Progression of the Three R's: Believers must navigate Reputation (how your work ethic and attitude precede you), Recognition (how others acknowledge your character and face), and Reward (the ultimate divine commendation from God).

-- Embracing Collective Differences: A powerful team is built on diverse strengths. Unity does not mean uniformity, and our unique differences are designed by God to act as missing puzzle pieces that complete the body of Christ.

Scriptures for Further Study

-- Romans 16:1-24

-- Galatians 6:9

-- Colossians 3:23-24

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Pastors Joseph and Robbin Davis

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Join host Emily for a bittersweet episode of the Wakulla County 4-H podcast as she interviews her regular co-host, Caden Gruebel, in a special senior tribute edition. Caden, who recently graduated high school, reflects on his unique five-year journey through homeschooling and 4-H, sharing how these experiences molded him into a creative, outside-the-box thinker and a confident community leader.

The conversation dives deep into Caden's remarkable achievements, including his community hygiene project that earned him his Eagle Scout rank, alongside his passion for environmental initiatives and his local leadership as president of FLOW (Future Leaders of Wakulla). He also shares a deeply personal look into his health battles with sleep apnea, Chiari malformation, and a recent narcolepsy diagnosis, offering a profound perspective on how he maintains momentum when life changes lanes.

Dr. Rachel Pienta and Doug Apple also bookend the episode to highlight the modern landscape of 4-H, proving it has evolved far beyond traditional agriculture into a powerhouse for STEM, workforce development, and artificial intelligence.

Main highlights from this episode include:

-- Caden shares the pros and cons of his homeschooling path and how it allowed him to develop creative social skills.

-- The heartwarming story behind Caden's love for spam and how it connects him to his grandfather.

-- A look back at his historic 13-year-old Eagle Scout project, where he overcame skepticism and COVID obstacles to deliver 400 shower kits to neighbors in need.

-- Caden opens up about his medical journey with Chiari malformation and narcolepsy, revealing his secret to moving forward when your planned path changes.

-- Moving audio tributes and graduation congratulations from local figures, including Wakulla County Sheriff Jared Miller, club leaders, and international friends.

-- Dr. Rachel Pienta explains how modern 4-H serves as the largest youth development program in the country, focusing on public speaking, technology, and leadership.

This is episode 19.

Find more information about the Wakulla County 4-H on Facebook: www.facebook.com/wakulla4h

We often view forgiveness as a mere polite suggestion or a favor we do for someone else, but Scripture reveals it is a foundational duty of love. In this transformative teaching, Pastor Omar Ellison dives deep into First John, Psalms, and Proverbs to illuminate how a lifestyle of unforgiveness directly impacts your mental, spiritual, and physical health. When we fully grasp the staggering, multi-billion-dollar debt that God has already wiped clean for us, extending grace to others stops being a negotiation and becomes a natural response. If you are ready to evict fear, break the cycle of internal torment, and activate the healing virtue of Christ in your body, it is time to drop the excuses and let it go.

-- Your spiritual and emotional state directly dictates your physical well-being, meaning that holding onto internal rage and sorrow will literally dry up your bones.

-- Perfect love completely eradicates fear, anxiety, and the internal torment that plagues your peace when you realize the Creator of the universe is personally looking out for you.

-- God does not require you to figure out the finances, the networking, or the logistics of what He puts in your heart; He simply asks you to step out in radical obedience and faith.

-- True confession means agreeing with God's standard of right and wrong, allowing Him to completely cleanse you from all unrighteousness without leaving a single stain.

-- Healing and forgiveness are deeply intertwined in the Kingdom of God, proving that no matter how self-inflicted your mistakes were, Christ’s grace is the definitive cure for what the world calls incurable.

Scriptures for Further Study

-- 1 John 4:7-10

-- 1 John 4:18

-- 1 John 1:9

-- Psalms 32:3

-- Proverbs 17:22

-- Proverbs 15:13

-- Proverbs 15:30

-- James 5:14-15

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Find more information on our website: https://www.saltandlightcovenant.com/

Cutting Out the Hidden Poison in the Pews

In a powerful, straight-talking message, Apostle Otis B. Young shifts the focus of ministry from building brick-and-mortar structures to building stable, effective, and loving people. True kingdom-minded individuals must be intentionally invested in, mentored, and built up through edification. However, a dangerous adversary is quietly invading the hearts of believers: spiritual cancer. Unlike physical ailments, this metaphorical decay infects a person's inner character through unaddressed sins, pride, and most notably, malice.

Malice is a deep-seated, premeditated desire to see others suffer or to "get a lick back" when wronged. In the modern church, it often masks itself behind a "nice-nasty" demeanor or deceptive prayers. Apostle Young, alongside powerful insights from the congregation, reminds us that the Church must be a sanctuary of support for the weak, operating in unconditional love rather than judgmental knowledge. To maintain Christian unity and keep our spiritual fire burning, we must cooperate with the Holy Spirit to root out all forms of bitterness, deceit, and malice before they paralyze our destiny.

Main Points covered in this teaching:

-- The Primary Mission of the Ministry: Our true calling is to build up kingdom-minded individuals who are stable, efficient, and professional in the earth realm, rather than focusing purely on cathedral walls.

-- Fostering Community and Support: Strong believers are called to bear the infirmities of the weak, taking time out to support those in need without judgment, and loving people into a state of holiness.

-- Defining Spiritual Cancer: A progressive decay of an individual's inner life, faith, and character that acts like malignant cells, consuming love and standard holiness from the inside out.

-- The Deceitfulness of Malice: Malice is a hidden poison, often linked with anger and slander, that drives premeditated ill-will and manifests in the church through hypocrisy or "nice-nasty" attitudes.

-- Guarding the House Against Reprobate Minds: Moving away from the knowledge of God causes a progressive decay into envy, gossip, and malice, proving that what defiles a person comes directly out of an unclean heart.

-- Overcoming Paralyzing Bitterness: Malice acts as a direct enemy to Christian unity, extinguishing the fire of worship and praise, and rendering individuals unusable for the higher things of God until they receive spiritual cleansing.

Scriptures for Further Study

-- 1 Thessalonians 5:11

-- Romans 15:1-2

-- 1 Corinthians 8:1

-- Proverbs 24:3-4

-- Matthew 16:18

-- Acts 4:11

-- Ephesians 4:31-32

-- Colossians 3:8

-- 1 Fire 2:1-2

-- Romans 1:28-29

-- Mark 7:20-23

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Find more information on our website here: https://www.teamkingdom.business/

Revival in Quincy, Florida - Apostle Otis B. Young on Tuesday, May 12, 2026

In a world filled with emergency responses, trauma, and uncertainty, humanity is collectively crying out for a single thing: hope. In this foundational message, Pastor Mike Jenkins explores the theological and practical distinctives that set a Pentecostal community apart. Sharing his own harrowing medical journey through a sudden cardiac episode and a severe cancer diagnosis, Pastor Mike delivers a firsthand testimony of divine healing that defies medical expectations.

True kingdom impact cannot be contained within the four walls of a building. Addressing everything from the biblical validity of women in ministry to the absolute necessity of racial unity within the body of Christ, this teaching challenges believers to evaluate the evidence they leave behind in their local communities. It is a timely call to step out of comfortable routines and step into the supernatural empowerment of the Holy Spirit to reach the ends of the earth.

-- This church is built to be a refuge of hope, offering a message of abundant life to help people cope with and overcome the heavy trials of life.

-- The unique identity of a Pentecostal fellowship is anchored in biblical power and eternal fruit, which serve as the visible evidence of faith to the surrounding community.

-- The fourfold mission focuses on evangelizing the lost, worshiping God, edifying believers, and showing genuine compassion to the needy through practical outreach.

-- Scriptural integrity demands the full recognition of women in pastoral, prophetic, and administrative leadership, following the patterns set in the New Testament.

-- The global mandate of the Great Commission includes every local community, requiring churches to actively reflect the multicultural, multiracial diversity of heaven.

Scriptures for Further Study

-- Matthew 28:19

-- Acts 2

-- 1 Corinthians 12

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Find more information on our website: https://www.springsofhopechurch.life/